Socio-economic and political roots of incivility in professional nursing education

Abstract

Background: Although various empirical studies have been performed on the manifestations and consequences of incivility, the origin of the phenomenon in nursing education has not been addressed for the people affected.
Objective: To describe perspectives on the socio-economic and political roots of incivility in South African professional nursing education.
Methodology: An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative design was applied. Purposive sampling was employed until data saturation was reached at 23 participants.
Results: Incivility was described as a tree, with roots deeply embedded in the socio-economic, cultural, and political history of South Africa and nursing. Socio-economic and political roots, therefore, could be clearly identified.
Conclusion: The roots of incivility paved the way for nurse educators, students, and other key stakeholders in professional nursing education to establish forums. Nursing education and nursing practice need to deal with incivility cooperatively and in collaboration.